April 27, 2004 > Niles Wildflower and Art Festival - Sunday May 16th

by Reshma Yunus

The Niles Main Street Association will be holding the Eleventh Annual Niles Wildflower and Art Festival on May 16, 2004 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event brings together gardens, art and families to celebrate the historic Niles District and the best of Spring.

The festival features a self-guided Niles Open Gardens tour, during which fifteen private gardens in the Niles neighborhood will be opened to the public. Former council member Judy Zlatnik, President of the Niles Main Street Association noted, "Niles' gardeners are known for their innovative and creative gardens, which, combined with the district's graceful, historic homes, makes for a unique tour experience right here in the Bay Area."

The festival will include a variety of events such as the Children's Banner Project and "Art in Action". Children of the district and local artists make local downtown light poles their artist palate to showcase their art work. The banners are auctioned off on the day of the festival.

During "Art in Action", local artists will demonstrate their crafts such as creating glass jewelry, beading and lace making. Fremont Mayor Gus Morrison will present awards for art created by local school children and vendors, including nurseries and handicrafts will display their wares for sale. The festival will provide entertainment of folk and jazz music, a raffle and many other activities.

Ms. Zlatnik invites everyone to come to the Niles Wildflower and Art Festival. She says, "We have so much fun, and there are still people in Fremont who have not been in downtown Niles and are so amazed when they see it because it is a classic railroad town; the festival is just a great family affair."

The Niles Main Street Association holds several events throughout the year to fund economic development and historic preservation of the Niles district. The Association will be hosting a ceremony on June 12th dedicating a new flag pole. A retired major general is expected to grace the festivities.

The Niles Main Street Association also holds the annual Niles Antique fair scheduled for August 29th this year. Hundreds of vendors participate in the event and between 80,000 to a 100,000 people attend.

For further information on the Niles Wildflower and Art Festival and other related events you can contact:

Niles Main Street Association
37501 B Niles Blvd.
P.O. Box 2038
Fremont, CA 94539
Telephone: 510-742-9868 or 510-797-1389
Email: events@niles.org
www.niles.org